Page 16 of Wyoming Cowboy Undercover

“I like the idea.” Marshall gave a nod of approval. “But let’s hold off on assigning him a firearm just yet.”

“What are your reservations?” Rocco asked. “I assure you I know how to handle myself and a weapon.”

“I have no doubt about that,” Marshall said, stopping at the entrance of the dining room. “But I see you for precisely what you are.”

“And what is that, sir?”

“You’re an agent.”

Chapter Five

Rocco’s heart skipped a beat, but he didn’t let it show, keeping his features relaxed, his eye contact steady. “Come again?”

“You’re an agent of chaos, Mr. Sharp. Sent to test me and the faith of my family. But my house is not built on sand and will weather any storm.” Smiling, he put a hand on Rocco’s shoulder and ushered him forward.

They entered a massive open space, large enough to be a ballroom, filled with wooden tables and chairs.

The dining hall was packed with a rainbow of Starlights. Green, gray, orange, yellow and blue sprinkled throughout the room. Everyone was seated. Plates filled with food in front of them, but no one was eating. From what he could see, no one wore shoes either. Mercy had explained that it wasn’t allowed due to cleanliness.

A tense silence fell as all eyes turned to focus on them.

“My dear family,” Marshall said, his voice bouncing off the walls of the hushed hall, “I want for you all to welcome Rocco. He will be our guest. Brought to us by your sister Mercy.”

Murmurs flowed through the room like a current of air.

“I know this is unusual,” Marshall said. “But your sister was called to help this man. We must support her as she blooms as a leader in answering what the Light has asked her to do. I trust I can count on you. What say you all?”

In unison the group bowed their heads and said, “So shall it be.”

Marshall glanced at Rocco. “Let’s get some food,” he said, indicating a long table set against the wall.

There were large aluminum tins of rice, rolls, an array of vegetables, beans and lentils. But no meat. “Looks like you all are vegetarians,” he said, pretending to be surprised since he’d never discussed it with Mercy and didn’t want to appear to know too much. He took a tray and put food on his plate.

“We believe in sustainable living,” Alex said. “We grow all our own produce. A plant-based diet lowers greenhouse gas emissions, reduces environmental degradation and promotes a healthy lifestyle. We strive to make the world better.”

That was quite a mouthful. “Well, this looks delicious.” Rocco was going to need a juicy double burger once he got out of there.

“You should try a piece of pie,” Marshall said, getting a slice for himself. “There’s strawberry rhubarb and pear. Baked fresh today by caring hands.”

Rocco wouldn’t turn his nose up at pie and went for the strawberry rhubarb.

They grabbed forks, cups of water, and proceeded to a table that had a few guys from the security team already there.

A young, attractive woman dressed in green made a beeline for them, juggling a dinner tray.

With a shake of his head and subtle wave of his hand, Marshall said, “It would be best if you sat with the others tonight, Sophia.”

She faltered in her tracks, a disappointed look falling across her face. “Of course, Empyrean.”

“But I would like to chat with you privately later in my quarters.”

A huge smile broke out on Sophia’s angular face. “I look forward to our discussion.” She turned and walked back to the table where she had been previously.

Marshall took a chair at the head of the table, made introductions, and launched into a spiel. “Many get mired in the muck of the world beyond our gates, but we are excellent at helping all unburden themselves. You should be aware that you’ll be expected to follow our rules. Transgressions are frowned upon.”

But Rocco’s focus drifted when Mercy walked into the dining hall.

A white cotton dress clung to slender curves, cupping breasts that were the perfect size for a lover’s hands. Sunny blond hair, no longer up in a bun, hung past her shoulders in long waves, framing a face that was too angelic. Too pretty. She had an ethereal beauty. Radiated light.

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